Steve McClaren is confident his team can add St James's Park to his impressive list of away-day conquests.

Boro have already returned victorious from traditionally tough destinations like Highbury, Old Trafford, Villa Park, St Mary's and Elland Road this season and the manager reckons there's no reason why they can't beat Newcastle in tomorrow's Tyne-Tees derby.

McClaren said: "Tomorrow is our last game before the Carling Cup final and we couldn't have asked for tougher preparation.

"Newcastle are very strong at home but we've beaten Manchester United and Arsenal away this season so we're well capable of meeting the challenge."

Next week's cup final at the Millennium Stadium could prove a distraction, but McClaren is determined that his players go into tomorrow's match knowing they must attempt to take all three points.

He said: "It was great to see Ugo Ehiogu and Jon Greening coming through our midweek second-team game against Wolves with no ill effects.

"We're fully focused on what promises to be a highly competitive derby and maintaining our improved away record this season.

"We will not allow ourselves to be distracted from the very important job of improving our league position."

The manager has almost a full squad of players to choose from tomorrow, though Franck Queudrue is suspended and his internationals could be suffering from jet lag.

"It's great to be back in action again after our mini-break, although it's been a busy time for our international contingent," said McClaren.

"Gareth Southgate and Danny Mills are back in the camp after England's game in Portugal and Mark Schwarzer played for 90 minutes against Venezuela. Bolo Zenden was also in action, coming on as a substitute for Holland.

"I would also like to congratulate Stewart Downing on winning his first England Under 21 cap against Holland."

Meanwhile, Gaizka Mendieta reckons Boro are now close to fulfilling their potential after three wins in four matches.

He said: "The team is playing quite well now. I feel we've been finding the way we want to play in the last two months, and we have to keep that going.

"It's very difficult, but we have to try because we now have the confidence and we are finding the way to play, and we have to try as hard as possible to keep that.

"The fans deserve it as well as us because we have worked very hard and the public have always supported us and travelled with the team all over the place."

Mendieta also praised the forwards for playing their part in the team's recovery.

"They are doing a good job holding the ball up," he said.

"When the defence is in trouble, that is what they need to do. We all understand that."